The Perfect Ravioli Lasagna Recipe: A Genius Family Favorite

Summer skillet ravioli lasagna emerges as a culinary game-changer for busy home cooks seeking delectable shortcuts.

Traditional lasagna methods feel outdated when you can craft this streamlined one-pan marvel.

Melted cheese cascades between tender pasta pockets, creating irresistible layers of comfort and convenience.

Seasonal produce crafts this classic recipe into a vibrant, lighter interpretation that celebrates summer bounty.

Fresh ingredients dance together, developing rich flavors without complicated preparation techniques.

Quick cooking times mean you can spend less time near a hot stove and more moments enjoying a satisfying meal.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this dish a weeknight winner.

Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna: A Fresh Take on a Classic

• Quickly Transform Comfort Food: This skillet ravioli lasagna turns classic comfort dishes into a speedy, one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Packed with Cheesy Goodness: Melted mozzarella creates a golden, bubbling top that transforms a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience, providing rich, stretchy texture in every bite.
• Summer Dinner Lifesaver: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 20 minutes of total cooking time, making it an ideal solution for hot summer evenings when nobody wants to spend hours in a heated kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor and provides main protein for the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage for best taste.
• Ravioli: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the primary carbohydrate and protein base. Select pre-made refrigerated or frozen ravioli for convenience.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and golden-brown topping. Use fresh, whole milk mozzarella for best melting properties.

• Marinara Sauce: Creates the base liquid and adds tomato flavor to the dish. Pick a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, aromatic finish and fresh garnish. Choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown sausage and prevent sticking in skillet. Select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Water: Helps thin sauce and cook ravioli. Use clean, fresh water.

How to Make the Best Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F and position the oven rack 8 inches from the heat source.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles until it’s fully browned, which takes about 6-7 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce and water, bringing the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet, capturing all the delicious browned bits.

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli

Add ravioli to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes. Watch for the sauce to thicken and the ravioli to become tender.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

• Half of the ravioli mixture
• A generous layer of mozzarella cheese
• Remaining ravioli
• Remaining mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake the skillet in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfecting Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors that will enhance the entire dish's taste profile.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer the marinara sauce until it slightly thickens, creating a clingy texture that coats the ravioli beautifully.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute mozzarella evenly between ravioli layers to ensure every bite has a generous cheese pull.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality ravioli and marinara sauce to elevate the overall taste of the skillet lasagna.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to cool for 2-3 minutes after baking, which helps the cheese set and makes cutting and serving easier.

How to Store and Reheat Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled ravioli lasagna into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the dish moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Best Sides to Pair with Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

• Savor Fresh Italian Wine Pairing: Grab a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chianti to complement the rich, hearty sausage and tangy marinara sauce, cutting through the creamy mozzarella with refreshing acidity.
• Enhance with Herbal Side Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the skillet's warmth and add a bright, peppery contrast to the dish.
• Create Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Quickly toast rustic bread slices with garlic, olive oil, and herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft, cheesy ravioli lasagna.
• Match with Zesty Vegetable Starter: Prepare quick marinated grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers drizzled with balsamic glaze to introduce a light, vibrant element before diving into the main course.

Fun Variations of Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace sausage with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based version that's packed with colorful vegetables and robust flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired skillet lasagna with a kick.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and spinach into the sauce, then garnish with fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired take on the classic recipe.
• Creamy Alfredo Remix: Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara, mix in some cooked chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan for a rich, indulgent variation that transforms the dish.

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets quick culinary magic in this Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna. Layers of cheesy ravioli and zesty marinara create a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) bulk mild or hot Italian sausage

Main Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole milk mozzarella, shredded and divided (about 2 cups)
• 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)

Liquid and Herbal Ingredients:

• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 450°F (232°C), positioning the rack approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) from the top heating element.
2. Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce Italian sausage and systematically break it into crumbly pieces while cooking until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce and of water into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing the mixture to reach a bubbling state for 2-3 minutes while simultaneously scraping the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits.
4. Carefully fold fresh cheese ravioli into the simmering sauce, allowing them to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta becomes tender and plump.
5. Transfer the skillet off the heat source and strategically layer half of the ravioli mixture, generously covering with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process by adding the remaining ravioli and topping with an additional layer of mozzarella.
6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface.
7. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Customize this dish by swapping spicy Italian sausage with mild ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter meal.
• Frozen ravioli works perfectly here, saving time and keeping the recipe super convenient for busy weeknights.
• Fresh mozzarella creates a more luxurious texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, melting into gorgeous golden pools.
• One-skillet meals minimize cleanup, making this recipe ideal for quick family dinners or casual entertaining.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or oregano if basil isn’t available, maintaining the herb’s bright flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg